68 WANDERINGS OF A 



In rocky situations, and on the scarped sides of mountain- 

 roads, the wall-creeper {Tichodroma mv/raria) is often ob- 

 served. At a distance it looks like a very large gray and 

 scarlet butterfly, as with expanded wings it noiselessy creeps 

 over the rock, poking its long awl-shaped bill into every little 

 nook and crevice. The cuckoo (C. canorui) chaunts its 

 welcome note in bush and tree from the earliest appearance 

 of vernation in March up to the end of May. The natives, 

 who are familiar with its appearance, allege that it remains 

 in the sub-Himalayan valleys throughout the year. As late 

 as £he 18th of September, I observed a pair hunting in my 

 garden after insects. There is another species (C. himalay- 

 anus) closely allied to the above, which is not uncommon in 

 the valleys. It is at once distinguished by its smaller size. 



For strength of wing there are few birds with which I am 

 acquainted equalling the Alpine swift ; its congeners, the 

 black and allied, cannot compare with it in that respect. 

 After rain flocks are seen scouring across the great valleys, 

 and around the mountain-tops ; now dipping into the vast 

 abysses, then rushing upwards with an elegance of swoop, 

 they suddenly turn and dive downwards again with amazing 

 rapidity. 



The black partridge is one of the most handsome species 

 found in Asia, where it enjoys a wide range, being plentiful in 

 Syria, Persia, Afghanistan, Northern India, and the Himalayas. 

 On the latter it prefers the more temperate and cultivated 

 ranges towards the plains, to the high exposed mountains of 

 the interior. However, neither the great heat of Bengal, nor 

 the cold of the Himalayas, seem to affect this bird, for we find 

 it equally common at all seasons in both climates. Black 

 partridge shooting is a great source of amusement to the 

 Eastern sportsman, especially on the mountain ranges, where, 



